The Reds, fresh off a Premier League title under manager Arne Slot, aimed to bolster their defense and midfield but have been outmaneuvered in their pursuits of Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen and Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz.
The Merseyside club, led by sporting director Richard Hughes, targeted Huijsen to reinforce their backline, especially with uncertainties surrounding Jarell Quansah and Ibrahima Konate. However, Real Madrid have secured a deal for the 20-year-old Spanish centre-back.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on X, "Bournemouth have approved Real Madrid conditions for Dean Huijsen deal with 50 million pounds release clause to be paid by the end of 2026. Deal done club to club." He added, "Final green light needed to proceed and seal the deal with player's camp as Huijsen always gave priority to Madrid."
Romano also highlighted the influence of Real Madrid's incoming manager, Xabi Alonso, noting, "Xabi Alonso asked Real Madrid to accelerate on Dean Huijsen deal as ideal quick solution for a top talent." Alonso's push proved decisive, with Huijsen favoring a move to the Bernabeu despite interest from Liverpool, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
Liverpool's hopes of landing attacking midfielder Florian Wirtz have also faded. Reports of a meeting between the Reds and the 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen star surfaced, with Bild's Christian Falk posting on X, "There was also a meeting with FC Liverpool and Florian Wirtz on Tuesday in England."
However, Liverpool.com clarified, "No meeting took place with either Liverpool or Manchester City this week," despite the club's interest in Wirtz. They noted, "Either a move to Bayern Munich or staying at Leverkusen feels most likely for Wirtz."
The Reds have faced challenges in the transfer market despite their on-field success. Slot, who guided Liverpool to the Premier League title in his debut season, relied on a thin squad bolstered only by Federico Chiesa, who has managed just 41 minutes in the league.
While contract extensions for Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah provide stability, the departure of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid has intensified the need for a new right-back.
Liverpool have turned their attention to Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong, with talks reportedly advancing. Romano stated on X, "Jeremie Frimpong talks intensify, Liverpool are willing to pay the release clause." Journalist Ben Jacobs added, "Jeremie Frimpong is keen to join Liverpool and has a 35 million euros release clause."
Frimpong, a dynamic option favored by Slot from his Feyenoord days, could fill the void left by Alexander-Arnold.
Despite these setbacks, Liverpool remain proactive. Their interest in Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez as a potential left-back target persists, though Real Madrid's influence looms large. The Reds' transfer strategy, shaped by Slot and Hughes, aims to build on their championship foundation, but Real Madrid's decisive moves have underscored the competitive nature of the market.
As the summer window approaches, Liverpool fans await further developments, hoping their club can secure key targets to maintain their Premier League dominance. For now, Real Madrid's transfer triumphs have left the Reds recalibrating their plans.
Martin Zubimendi's potential move to Arsenal appeared all but certain, but Real Madrid, led by incoming manager Xabi Alonso, are threatening to derail the Gunners' plans in a bold transfer swoop.
Manchester City are gearing up for a FA Cup final clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, with striker Erling Haaland demanding a strong finish to what he called a "horrific season" for the defending champions.
Leon Goretzka's future at Bayern Munich reportedly hangs in the balance after the club decided against extending his contract, set to expire in 2026.
Arsenal have reportedly set their sights on Brighton's dynamic forward Joao Pedro as they aim to revitalise their attacking options for the upcoming season, according to multiple sources.
